Living in Shanghai, China – Expats Escape the Global Economic Downturn

Living abroad is an experience full of adventures in adaptation, diversity and change. As the global economic situation worsens, I’m reminded of how lucky I am to live abroad. While back home I was making a livable wage, I was not saving any money, nor was I able to enjoy the lifestyle I’d prefer.

In China, I make a similar salary to my former career in the States, but with added bonuses. Here I do not have car payments, my rent is low, my bills consist of a few random RMB for electric and water and my only real expense is food- of which there is a vast international array. That leaves me with the extra cash to invest, save, or blow on travel and other hobbies.

So, in the middle of an economic crisis spanning the entire globe, how am I in such a comfortable, care-free condition?

Simply put- the expat life is a practice between times of feast and times of famine; a natural up and down pattern that becomes expected and anticipated for life-long expats.

Teaching English is an activity nearly every true expat has undertaken at least once in their overseas careers. The money is decent and most schools provide an apartment.

For first time expats, it’s an easier transition to overseas life. In Shanghai a native English speaker can easily earn 10,000RMB a month with a provided apartment and a community of other teachers to make finding your drinking pal a breeze. For that salary you can live like an expat King…. if only on the weekends.

Other jobs for expats exist in China. Whenever a company needs a native speaker, they’ll put out posts on local job sites for more serious positions like lower management or business development. These pay around 15,000 – 20,000RMB. You’ve moved from weekend warrior to weekend emperor.

And then there is the gap. The gap is what both sides of Shanghai’s expat community term the massive gap between the English teachers and lower management to the expat executives who live in villas and have 24 hour drivers on hand to whisk them about the city.

If you are lucky enough to find a position in Shanghai above the gap, then you will be held back by nothing. Being above the gap is what those below the gap chat about at bars with all-you-can-drink specials. Being below the gap is what the upper class reminisce about. The classic battle between youth and age. Shanghai caters to both, and both are thriving amid this economic crisis, despite recent layoffs and other signs of a nearing recession.

Though the recession is knocking on Shanghai’s door, the beauty of expat life is that your quality of life, hobbies and interests do not suffer drastically if your income decreases. You can freely move between the gaps without issue. If the recession turns depression that means drinking a 5$ beer instead of a 30$ wine, and a sense of adventure is added to your life.

Originally from Washington State, USA, Charlie has lived as an expatriate for over nine years in Europe and Asia, and has traveled widely. After working at universities, investment banks, museums and in sales, Charlie found a niche as a writer and photographer, and has settled (as much as an expat does) in Shanghai, China.

Read all Articles by Charlie Johnson

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